Abstract

This case report describes a sudden cardiac death in an apparent healthy 11-month-old
infant caused by a multifocal cardiac rhabdomyoma. Parents reported that a few days
before the child had fallen to the ground getting a little superficial injury to the
scalp. The authors hypothesize that it may have been a transient loss of consciousness
episode caused by the cardiac tumour. After the gross examination, histological investigation
supported by immunohistochemical analysis using antibody anti- Myoglobin, Actin, Vimentin,
Desmin, CD34, S-100, Ki-67 was carried out for the diagnosis. Death was attributed
to a multifocal cardiac rhabdomyoma, a benign tumour of striated muscle, which has
been completely asymptomatic. In particular, one mass filled the entire posterior
wall of the left ventricle. The insidious development of benign cardiac tumours also
in infants and children is outlined, focusing on the responsible mechanisms of sudden
death in such cases and providing a reference for additional study on these subjects.